About the Policy Leaders Academy
MDF believes that taking new Legislators on an intensive economic
bus tour of Maine, introducing them to business people around the state, and
letting them see, first hand, how their public investments in transportation,
education and other public systems drive economic development grounds and
enriches the policy making process. That’s why we run Policy Leaders Academy.
The Policy Leaders Academy a
nonpartisan educational program for Maine Legislators on the Maine economy,
which has been delivering high quality, objective and non-partisan experiential
training to Legislators since 1985. Its
purpose is to help Legislators understand:
- Maine’s dynamic economy, the drivers of
long-term growth, and what it takes to achieve job creation.
- Maine’s regional economies, the interdependence
and differences among these regions.
- How business operates and how investment
decisions are made.
- The impact of public policy decisions on
businesses and regional economies.
The result is
better-informed decision-making by Maine’s Legislators.
Program
Regional Economic Tours bring Legislators into Maine businesses and
educational facilities to see first hand the strengths and challenges facing
regions. The Tours broaden Legislators’ understanding of economic issues in
regions outside their districts and provide networking among all legislators
that builds lasting relationships.
Shadowing and Briefings are conducted for business and community leaders on
how the Legislature works, how laws are made, and how they can participate in
the process. Business and community leaders shadow their Legislator partner by
spending one day at the Statehouse.
Legislators spend one day with their partner in the community or
business.
The curriculum is built around Measures
of Growth, a report of the Maine Economic Growth Council prepared by the
Maine Development Foundation (MDF). The
report contains performance measures and benchmarks for achieving Maine’s
long-term economic goals.
The Policy Leaders Academy
is financed by private contributions from MDF’s business, education, and
nonprofit members. This diverse source
of funding allows all legislators to participate in the program at no cost
other than their lodging and meals.
Business and community leaders pay a nominal fee to cover expenses.
For more information contact
Cheryl Miller at the Maine Development Foundation.
Testimonials
“The most important thing the Policy Leaders Academy is doing is
keeping leaders informed with facts.”
“Anytime that legislators can spend quality time together
in an informal atmosphere helps us to know and understand each other better,
and thus to work better together”
“The experience was enlightening. It is one I would
encourage all business people who have little or no first hand experience
regarding the workings of Maine's legislative process. After all, it is our
legislature.”
“This experience was invaluable. It really succeeded
in putting a human face on state politics. I will value the connections I made
there!”
